SV-51 (Nora Type)

Right off the top, I want to point out the sheer size of this thing. I’ve seen the pictures and reviews on other sites and for some reason, the sheer size of this thing didn’t come across, you see it’s huge… seriously. In fighter mode its 14 inches long from the tip of the nose cone to the end of the feet thrusters. There’s no missing this one on the shelf that’s for sure.

And of course, the box is even bigger. If you’ve ever purchased a Yamato transforming toy you know what to expect, it’s more of the same. A large cardboard box (measure’s 15 x 14 x 6 inches so importing to the states can be expensive) with a lid that opens to reveal the contents packed neatly in clear vacuum-form trays.

Fighter mode is probably the strongest of the three modes of this variable fighter. Every part and piece locks into place…. well almost everything. On my piece, the right wing is a little loose in the hinge that holds the wing to the fuselage, so barrel rolls leave the right wing floppy. Not a deal really but take into consideration it’s almost $200, for that price every single piece should be flawless…. with that said…

It comes with the full assortment of extra gun pods, missiles and boosters too fully deck out the fighter for long range combat. I prefer the sleeker look of the minimal armament in fighter mode myself but it’s nice these pieces are included. Also included is a mini Nora figure which is gummy and soft

Gerwalk mode looks best when displayed on the provided stand than it does on the ground. The shoulders do not “lock in” in any way and just sort of hang there. It will hold any pose you throw at it but the arms are a bit finicky in this mode. The wings however will hold their pose I am glad to report, a concern of mine when I saw the first photos of this design.

You can telescope out the head to use as a “periscope” like seen in the OVA’s and the provided stand does a great job holding a mid-flight mode.

Battroid mode is an impressive 13 inches tall and poses fairly well with or without the provided stand. My only real complaint in this mode is the legs don’t really “lock” into place at the thighs and just sort of sit there. Tension is snug in this mode and holds the Battroid upright just fine but nothing clicks in place to let you know you have all the angels just right.

Like I mentioned earlier, it comes loaded with accessories…. gunpods, missiles, boosters, pilot figure and stand (with attachments for all three modes). The landing gear also folds out and detail is equally as impressive as the rest of the toy.

You can also store the extra magazine clip on the leg as well as the Battroid’s gun, though I’m not sure this is an intended feature, but it works pretty well.

So before I wrap this up I have a confession. You see as much as I like this thing I can not recommend it based on the piece I got. Not for the asking price of almost $200. The mid-thigh part on the left leg separated during it’s first transformation. A little dab of crazy glue and it’s better, but for the asking price I should not have to re-glue anything. To be fair, it’s not a common issue for this release but still a problem.

I really like this mecha design and enjoy the series, Macross Zero – but I am only recommending this to the most die-hard Macross fans and then only if your willing to take a chance you might get a bum one. All else will probably want to pass. It’s 98% ABS plastic and fairly expensive for what it is, however it does stand out on the shelf, your mileage may vary.